Introduction
The European civil aviation sector is transitioning to a formalized, legally binding European Union safety framework under Regulations (EU) 2025/23 and 2025/20. Ground handling organizations must now assume full, direct responsibility for the safe provision of their services and the control of their operational risks.
This 2-day intensive course provides managers with the essential tools to implement a scalable Safety Management System (SMS) and conduct advanced Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
Participants will learn to navigate the shift from industry self-regulation to strict EASA compliance, effectively identify hazards, manage multi-operator interfaces, and foster a non-punitive “Just Culture”.
Who is the course for?
The course is for aviation professionals involved in ground operations, including Accountable Managers, Turnaround Coordinators, Safety Managers, Compliance Managers, Compliance Auditors, Ramp Supervisors, and personnel from Ground Handling Organizations (GHOs), National Aviation Authorities (NAAs), and airlines.
What is the Benefit of this Training – What will I learn?
Master the shift from industry self-regulation to EU safety compliance, integrating EASA, ICAO, and IATA standards.
Develop and oversee a scalable Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with ORGH.MGM.200.
Execute effective hazard identification, safety risk assessments, and fatigue risk management in ground operations.
Manage turnaround coordination roles (GH.OPS.400), complex multi-operator interfaces, and maintain Equipment Restraint Area (ERA) discipline.
Apply advanced Root Cause Analysis (RCA) techniques, including the 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Bowtie Risk Assessments.
Develop Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) that address underlying organizational deficiencies rather than isolated symptoms.
Detailed Content / Topics – The following Subjects will be addressed
Day 1
Module 1 EASA Regulatory Framework & Ground Handling Safety Management. Shift from industry self-regulation to EU safety compliance, integrating EASA, ICAO, and IATA standards. Define roles of GHOs, NAAs, and airlines under Regulations (EU) 2025/23 and 2025/20.
Module 2 Scalable SMS implementation (ORGH.MGM.200) and the Accountable Manager’s role in defining safety objectives. Hazard identification, safety risk assessment, and fatigue risk management in ground operations.
Module 3 Mandatory and voluntary safety reporting under Regulation (EU) 376/2014. Overcoming reporting barriers by fostering a non-punitive “Just Culture”.
Module 4 Managing turnaround coordination roles (GH.OPS.400) and multi-operator interfaces. Executing walkarounds and maintaining Equipment Restraint Area (ERA) boundary discipline during operations.
Module 5 Fundamentals of Root Cause Analysis & Human Factors. Differentiate between addressing problem symptoms versus uncovering foundational root causes. Review international requirements from ICAO, EASA, FAA, and IATA regarding root cause determination. Distinguish between hazards and perceived risks. Utilizing RCA to uncover physical, human interface, and organizational causes within ground operations.
Module 6 Explore the “Dirty Dozen” of human error, including fatigue, stress, and complacency. Understand why human error alone is not an acceptable terminal root cause.
Day 2
Module 7 Apply the Swiss-cheese model and Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS). Identify active failures and latent conditions within organizational structures.
Module 8 Practical application of the 5 Whys technique. Utilize Cause-and-Effect (Fishbone/Ishikawa) diagrams to logically organize and brainstorm potential causes.
Module 9 Advanced RCA Techniques, Investigation & Action Planning. Map the risk-based path to a root cause using Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) Boolean logic. Analyze threats, consequences, and recovery mitigations via Bowtie Risk Assessment.
Module 10 Apply Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) to identify risks across human, process, and equipment sources. Prioritize significant problems using Pareto Analysis (80/20 rule).
Module 11 Determine sufficient evidence thresholds to ensure trustworthiness and objectivity. Validate evidence without investigator bias during internal compliance monitoring and risk assessments.
Module 12 Develop corrective action plans for findings that address systemic root causes rather than isolated incidents. Effective Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) requires shifting the focus from immediate symptoms to underlying organizational deficiencies.
Target groups This training will be of significant benefit to personnel directly involved in ground handling services, aviation compliance, turnaround coordination, and safety management, as well as authority inspectors overseeing these activities.
Pre-requisites
A foundational understanding of aviation operations and current ground handling practices is required.
Learning Objectives
To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the new EASA ground handling regulations, equipping them with the knowledge to scale internal SMS frameworks, conduct advanced root cause analysis, and ensure operational compliance and safe turnaround coordination across all ground handling functions.
What do People Say about Sofema Aviation Services Training?
“The instructor used the right words to explain the material.”
“The discussions among the group were very beneficial.”
“The instructor showed very resourceful background and experience.”
“All sections of the course were related to my field.”
“Adequate answers were given to specific questions.”
Duration
2 Days – To commence at 09.00 and finish at 17.00, with appropriate refreshment breaks.
Registration To register for this training, please email [email protected] or Call +359 28210806.
